Abstract: A machine and method of forming multi-compartment pouches is disclosed in which two pouches formed on separate adjacent formers (1, 3) are brought together in register and the lidding webs (9, 15) of the pouches joined to form a combined pouch (33). The pouches may be held on the formers (1, 3) by vacuum until the pouches are joined whereupon the vacuum holding one of the pouches on its former (1) is released while maintaining the vacuum holding the other pouch on its former (3) so that the combined pouches (33) are held on that former by the vacuum until the vacuum is released.

Abstract: A method of making a pouch from webs that include soluble polymeric substrates includes, among other steps, rotating a former that includes a plurality of cavities around its periphery and one or more heaters around the former for heating the cavities and heating the cavities. A base web is drawn into the cavities with a vacuum to form pockets in the base web, after which the pockets are filled and closed.

Abstract: Soluble pouches are formed on a continous motion rotating thermoforming machine having cavities in the surface of a drum into which a web of polymeric film is drawn by a vacuum to form pockets. The pockets are filled with one or more components and closed by a further web of polymeric film. Shrink-back of the polymeric film within the cavities is reduced by heating the cavities with heaters.